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“Coming Out” has many meanings and can happen more than once in a person’s life. In previous articles I wrote about “coming out” as a gay man, a Jew, a bear and a nudist. Now I want to talk about my “coming out” into politics. Though I never served in public office I consider myself to be a political person, if we define politics as a citizen’s healthy concern for his society and the way that it is governed. My political views, like those of other people, were shaped by my upbringing, my environment, my education, my life experiences and by events that changed my life. Two events were particularly influential in determining my life and politics: the Cuban Revolution (1959) and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Movement (1969).

My political bent, unlike my thick dark hair (now greying), soft brown eyes, left-handed dexterity or homosexual orientation, was not inherited. But it was definitely shaped by my upbringing. Author/activist Allen Young (“Out of the Closets”) once wrote about growing up as a “red diaper baby,” the son of Jewish-American Communists. My parents were the opposite: proudly conservative, fiercely anti-Communist, Cuban exiles. Like most men and women of their generation, my parents experienced the Revolution as a disruptive force that destroyed everything they held dear and forced them to leave their home. Once settled in Miami (temporarily, they hoped) most Cuban exiles were firmly opposed to Communism and to anything that they thought led to it: socialism, progressivism, liberalism, homosexuality, etc. They saw the Democratic Party as hopelessly liberal and tainted by John F. Kennedy’s “betrayal” of the Cuban people after the Missile Crisis. The Republicans, on the other hand, seemed more willing to stand up to Castro and his henchmen, however ineffective their stand might be. For that reason, almost alone of all Hispanics in the U.S., Cuban-Americans vote overwhelmingly Republican.

Like other Cuban-Americans of my generation, I grew up in this conservative atmosphere. However, by the time I graduated from high school in 1972 I had developed a political bent of my own, one at odds with that of my parents or for that matter most people in my “hometown” of Little Havana. My political nonconformity can be attributed to several factors: my homosexual orientation, which allowed me to question authority and the status quo; my natural curiosity, which encouraged me to go beyond my schooling to explore new ideas and personalities; and my own stubborn and rebellious personality. Whatever the causes, I was liberal where liberal wasn’t cool. I also realized, unlike my parents, that I was in the U.S. to stay, so on June 6, 1973 I became a U.S. Citizen, the first one in my family to do so. I also registered to vote that day, as a Democrat, and I retained that party affiliation to this day.

Obviously, there was no political future for a liberal Democrat in Little Havana. In any case, by that time I had come to the conclusion that I was gay, and that my sexual orientation trumped other issues as far as my politics were concerned. Many activists look back to a pivotal event in their lives that shook them out of their apathy and got them involved in the fight for GLBT rights and equality. In my opinion being openly gay in a homophobic society was in itself a political act; and my rights and freedoms as a gay man must not be taken for granted but fought for every day and in every way. For that reason, and in a time and place when most gay men and lesbian women were still in their closets, I refused to hide my identity. Being openly gay in Miami in 1976 and 1977 was not easy, and it probably kept me from building a career or making a lot of money. But I did what I had to do and I think I am a better man for having done so.

I came out politically at an important time in our history, when Miami-Dade County first considered adding affectional or sexual orientation to its Human Rights Ordinance. The resulting campaign, which led to the repeal of the “gay rights ordinance” by a 2 to 1 margin (June 7, 1977), did more than make singer Anita Bryant a symbol of religious bigotry. It also made people realize that there were homosexuals all around them, and that Jesse Monteagudo was one of them. Though I was not a polarizing figure like Bob Kunst, I was president of Latins for Human Rights, a vain but notable attempt to encourage gay Hispanics to come out of their closets. As if that wasn’t enough, the day after the election my smiley face appeared on the pages of the now-defunct Miami News, wistfully embracing my then-partner. At a time when the most influential gay group in Broward was fondly known as “Closet Clusters,” just being photographed was a radical act.

During the next few years (1977-1982) I graduated from Florida International University, moved to Broward County, and changed my job a few times. And I served on the boards of the Dade County Coalition for Human Rights and the Broward County Coalition for Human Rights. A new crop of gay activists emerged in those days, political realists who knew how to play the game: Tom Bradshaw, Brad Buchman, Karl Clark and Gary Steinsmith (all sadly gone) among others. They created the Dolphin Democratic Club in Broward County (1982) and made it the political force that it is today. And while I was a member of the Dolphin Club from the beginning, I never served on the Board, nor did I ever seek public office. A non-partisan, activist, “in your face” group like the now-defunct GUARD – Gays United to Attack Repression and Discrimination - was more my style.

But while I am not a politician in the traditional sense of the word, I remain political to this day. Instead of running for office I channeled my political energies into another direction, as a writer for the then-flourishing gay and lesbian press. In 1980 I began an opinion column, now “Jesse’s Journal”, in The Weekly News (twn), for 29 years (1977-2006) South Florida’s gay community paper. Writing a column gives me the opportunity to express my political views in a medium that I am comfortable with. And it’s good to know that people read my work, if only to complain about it. I took it as a compliment when certain people, including some who knew me from way back, wrote angry letters to the paper, calling me a radical, a socialist and a communist along the lines of Ted Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Al Gore or John Kerry. When you’re compared to Ted Kennedy, you must be doing something right.

Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and proud liberal who continues to disappoint his mother by not keeping his mouth shut. Reach him at jessemonteagudo@aol.com.

I noticed that you posted the negative comments about the LCR [Log Cabin Republicans], Are there any positive comments from non LCR's?

It seems that the quotes you posted are from one issue voters. Unfortunately there are one issue voters from all walks of life and that in my opinion is irresponsible voting.

I am an Independent voter. I am supporting and voting for Sen. Obama. I based my support on the top 5 issues important to the me and the country and not on the one issue of tolerance.

I had a lot of admiration for Sen. McCain and considered voting for him. Once he got the nomination he has showed a side of him that disgusted me. He has flip flopped on the issues so much that I am not sure what he stands for anymore. His pick of Gov. Palin as VP was a political decision and not responsible one in the best interest of the country. I don't think he will benefit the majority on this countries needs and Sen. Obama will.

I have a lot of respect for the LCR. I believe one needs to embrace those who are intolerant to be able to teach them to be tolerant.

Just so you know I voted for Gov. Crist and even though he is supporting amendment 2 I still think over all he is a good man and a good governor for our Great state of Florida.

In closing i want to say that every one has an opinion and those opinions should be voiced and viewed in a respectful way with open mindedness and fairness.

By ROD MCGUIRK, Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia -- Jerry Lewis made an anti-gay slur on Australian television similar to one he apologized for using on his annual telethon a year ago.

Following a news conference in Sydney Friday, Lewis, 82, was asked by a Network Ten national TV reporter for his opinion on the Australian nation sport of cricket.

"Oh, cricket? It's a f- game. What are you, nuts?" Lewis replied.

The network broadcast the comment in full on its Friday evening news bulletin along with footage of Lewis handling an imaginary cricket bat with an effeminate gesture.

Lewis apologized in September last year for using a similar anti-gay slur in Las Vegas during his annual Labor Day telethon that raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

New York-based media discrimination watchdog Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, or GLAAD, as well as gay rights group Australian Coalition for Equality called for Lewis to apologize again.

"Last year, Mr. Lewis apologized for using an anti-gay slur on live television, and expressed his desire to raise public awareness about the impact of this kind of defamation," GLAAD president Neil G. Giuliano said in a statement.

"Clearly he did not take the lessons of that unfortunate episode to heart because, in an effort to be humorous, he has once again managed to offend and defame the gay community," he said.

"For someone so well known for helping others, Mr. Lewis shows an incredible lack of dignity and respect when he makes comments that contribute to a climate of intolerance," Giuliano added.

Lewis was still in Australia on Saturday and has performances booked there through Nov. 1. His Australian spokeswoman Julie Cavanagh said he did not intend to comment.

The comedian held Friday's news conference to promote his latest stage show that is touring Australia. It is a retrospective of his career that includes show tunes with a 24-piece band, excerpts from his scores of movies and television shows, and his trademark slapstick comedy.

Photo: Legendary comedian Jerry Lewis dribbles laughs while talking about his touring show in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Oct. 24, 2008. The show, combining anecdotes together with song, and accompanied by a 24-piece orchestra, will open Sunday at the Sydney Opera House. Rick Rycroft / AP

Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.

Dust off those wigs and over-the-top costumes, it's time to celebrate the most ghostly of holidays ... Halloween. Join us in Greater Fort Lauderdale for the hottest party in Florida – the Wicked Manors Block Party on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.

This year’s theme, “The Silver Scream” will feature classic horror films from the past with party-goers in more eclectic and eccentric costumes than anywhere in South Florida. Female impersonators, contests, food vendors, bars and themed booths will fill “The Drive” with lots of good old Halloween fun.

Looking to play some tricks or get some treats then come to one of these devilishly fun events or contests:

5 pm: Trick or Treat on the Drive Get in the Wicked Manors spirit and trick-or-treat the entire length of the Drive from 5 pm to 7 pm. Participating businesses will offer special “treats” for the kids and adults and be on the lookout for your favorite storefront decorated in the spirit of Halloween!

7 pm: Wicked Manors Block Party Begins Party the night away with a fabulous DJ and other live or (undead) entertainment.

Pet Costume Contest: Don't leave the pets at home! Dress up your dog, costume your cat, masquerade your mouse! Furry friends can win big in this contest! Prizes will be awarded for large and small breeds.

Celebrity Look-A-Like Contest: Has anyone ever told you that you look like Marilyn Monroe or maybe Hugh Grant? Here's your chance to dress like a diva, wear movie star make-up, be a Britney (or not). Celebrate your inner celebrity and join the fun.

Drag Queen Walk Off! Bring out the high heels for this one! A quick walk down the runway, past the crowds and back to the stage - FIERCE! Costume Contest: The prizes get bigger and the judging gets tougher! Can you be the scariest? Or even the best?

Winners announced throughout the evening and at 11 pm, we crown the Lord and Lady of Wicked Manors!

As we enter the election's homestretch, gay and lesbian Republicans have come under intense fire from the gay community for daring to speak our minds about this campaign. Instead of arguing the merits of their candidate, too many on the left resort to name calling. Emotion replaces fact. Name calling replaces logic. In this case, those we often hear speaking about tolerance sound awfully intolerant. We need your help today to stand up to the voices of intolerance wherever we find them.

Despite having the most pro-gay GOP presidential nominee in American history, we are attacked from the gay left.

Despite an historic Q&A Sen. McCain did with the Washington Blade, a gay publication, we are attacked from the gay left.

Despite a campaign and a candidate who has reached out and asked for LGBT votes like no other Republican nominee before, we are attacked from the gay left.

Just check out a tiny sampling of the senseless inaccuracies filling the pages of popular, mainstream LGBT blogs and websites:

It doesn’t stop there. The e-mails we receive usually include the same tired stereotypes about gay and lesbian Republicans. Rarely do we receive a thoughtful analysis or critique of our work.

“It must be so painful to bear that much self-hatred, to be so ashamed of your sexuality that you would willingly sacrifice your rights in order to fit in with that...Republican party.”

“Do you folks ever vote based on anything but your wallets?”

"F___ you a__holes. You make me sick and embarrassed that you are gay. You should be ashamed of yourself."

Noted gay conservative writer Dale Carpenter said it best: “It’s the worst vitriol against gay conservatives I’ve seen in fifteen years in this movement.”

I don’t have to share more of these mindless rants with you because you’ve probably experienced it yourself. But it’s getting worse by the day and we need your help to stand up to the voices of intolerance.

Angry and vicious people on the Left are trying to silence our voices because we dare to speak out as Republicans. Will you be silenced?

With gratitude,

Patrick J. Sammon

President

p.s. For a limited time, the first two donors contributing $1,000 or more will receive an autographed copy of one of John McCain's books. Also, the first five donors contributing $250 - $999 will receive an autographed copy of Meghan McCain's children's book, "My Dad, John McCain," with the inscription, "Log Cabin Republicans Rock!" Act now!

Gala Fundraiser by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Draws 600 Guests

MIAMI, FL, October 23, 2008---More than 600affluent members of South Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, business and political leaders attended The Miami Recognition Dinner on Saturday, October 18th, at the InterContinentalHotelin downtown Miami. Hosted by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the gala cocktail and dinner event recognizes the leadership and contributions of individuals who have made significant contributions in the fight for LGBT equality. The evening, which grossed more than $250,000, was emceed by writer//comedian Bruce Vilanch. This year’s honorees were TheL Wordcreator and producer Ilene Chaiken, out journalist and former President Clinton advisor Keith Boykin and local activist and fundraiser Joan Schaeffer.

“Our partnership with the community here through the Miami Recognition Dinner and Winter Party Festival – and especially through the Dade Community Foundation – is one of our most meaningful relationships at the Task Force,” said Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “With your support, much needed dollars flow to important organizations here in Miami- Dade. Since the beginning of our partnership with the Dade Community Foundation just four years ago, we have given more than $600,000 back to the community, and you are stronger for it,” she added.

The gala was co-chaired by Cindy Brown and David J. Price; local dignitaries in attendance included the mayor of Mayor Matti Bower, Miami Beach City Commissioners Saul Gross and Richard Steinberg and Miami Chief of Police John Timoney. Major sponsors included Brinker International, Burger King Corporation, Dade Community Foundation, Cîroc Vodka, Greenberg Traurig, P.A., Halo, South Florida Blade and James G. Pepper.

About the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force was the first national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights organization and remains the community’s uncompromising progressive voice. They fight for equality and justice by building grassroots power through training, advocacy, organizing and forward-thinking research and expertise. They challenge not only the status quo in mainstream America, but politics as usual within the LGBT community, and refuse to make political compromises that would leave anyone behind. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation. More information is available at www.theTaskForce.org.

Beneficiaries:

The Task Force retains only one-third of the net proceeds from the Dinner and returns the other two-thirds to Miami-Dade LGBT organizations through Dade Community Foundation. Established in 1967, Dade Community Foundation is Greater Miami's permanent philanthropic endowment for enhancing the quality of life of all Miami-Dade County residents. In 2004, the Foundation established the GLBT Community Projects Fund to distribute the funds raised by the Dinner and Winter Party Festival. Grant recipients since the Fund’s inception include: ACLU Foundation of Florida, Aqua Foundation for Women, Creative Arts Enterprises, Equality Florida, Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Miami Gay Men's Chorus, Museum of Contemporary Art, Pridelines Youth Services, Safe Schools South Florida, South Beach AIDS Project and Stonewall Library and Archives.

Investigational Drug Indicates Strong Potential for Decreasing and Eliminating Use

NORTH MIAMI, FL (October 24, 2008) - Segal Institute for Clinical Research announced today that that they are conducting a Phase II study for patients with methamphetamine dependency. Segal Institute is one of 15 sites in the nation and the only site in South Florida participating in this study.

The drug, Vigabatrin, is an antiepileptic drug licensed for use in the treatment of epilepsy in Europe, but it is not approved in the U.S. Studies have been conducted in Mexico, which provided initial evidence supporting the potential safety and efficacy of Vigabatrin in the treatment of methamphetamine addiction. Vigabatrin is thought to work on the brain to dampen the “high” caused by methamphetamine and it may reduce cravings for the drug.

“We are extremely optimistic and excited about the potential for Vigabatrin as a treatment for methamphetamine addiction,” says Scott Segal, MD, President and Clinical Director of Segal Institute. “Currently, there are no proven or effective medications for meth addiction. The purpose of the current trial is to demonstrate the potential safety and efficacy of Vigabatrin as a treatment for methamphetamine dependency in an adequate and well-controlled trial conducted in the U.S.”

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that is a very serious problem in the United States and South Florida. It can be smoked, injected, inhaled, or taken by mouth. It has many street names, such as speed, meth, and chalk. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, the crystal form, is inhaled by smoking and is referred to as ice, crystal, glass, and “Tina.”

Methamphetamine destroys lives. Abusers usually become addicted quickly, needing higher doses more often. Methamphetamine can also cause a variety of cardiovascular problems, including rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) and convulsions may occur with methamphetamine overdose, and if not treated immediately, can result in death.

Adverse health effects also include malnutrition, memory loss, psychotic behavior, and severe dental problems. Because its usage is highly prevalent within the gay community, abuse can contribute to increased transmission of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS. Excessive use also leads to loss of jobs, crime, child neglect, and other social ills.

About the Study

After completing a thorough screening process, patients admitted to the study will participate for approximately 24 weeks. Financial compensation is available. Psychological evaluation and counseling, free meals, and lab work are administered to each patient. You must be 18 years of age or older and must meet criteria for methamphetamine dependence as primary diagnosis.

For more information about participating in the study, please call 1-877-SEGAL-88.

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About Segal Institute for Clinical Research

Founded in 1998, Segal Institute for Clinical Research (www.segalinstitute.com) is a site-management organization specializing in psychiatric, neurological, substance abuse, general medicine and women’s health conditions. A 90-plus member, full-time staff of principal investigators, sub-investigators, coordinators, research assistants and doctorate-level raters conducts clinical trials in outpatient, inpatient, and residential care facilities. Research trials are being conducted at 13 different sites in South Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Colorado. Integral to Segal Institute’s success is its centralized operations consisting of regulatory coordinators, quality assurance and improvement managers, rater calibration specialists, recruiters, advertising coordinators, contract managers and call-center operators.